NCAAB · Final

Nicholls Colonels Edge Lamar Cardinals in Close Contest

Monday, February 23, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Montagne Center

Nicholls Colonels 53, Lamar Cardinals 52, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won Nicholls Colonels vs Lamar Cardinals?

Nicholls Colonels beat Lamar Cardinals 53-52 at Montagne Center on February 23, 2026.

Who was favored in Nicholls Colonels vs Lamar Cardinals?

Lamar Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Nicholls Colonels narrowly defeated the Lamar Cardinals with a final score of 53-52 at the Montagne Center on February 24, 2026. This game was particularly noteworthy as both teams entered with identical records of 12-17, making the outcome critical for their standings in the NCAAB league.

The Cardinals have struggled in recent weeks, posting a record of 2-7-1 over their last ten games, with a streak of five consecutive losses. They averaged 64.0 points scored while allowing 64.4 points during this stretch. Their last five games saw them average 68.2 points scored and 75.4 points allowed, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. The Colonels, on the other hand, recorded a 3-7 record in their last ten games, with their recent performance showing a slight decline as they have lost their last two outings. Nicholls averaged 70.3 points scored and 76.3 points allowed in their last ten games, and their last five games reflected an average of 77.0 points scored against 82.2 points allowed.

When considering home and away performances, Lamar has struggled more at home, with a record of 2-4 in their last six home games, while Nicholls has been more balanced, holding a 3-3 record in away games. This fixture also marked a continuation of a trend in their head-to-head meetings; the Cardinals had previously won all four encounters against the Colonels in the last two seasons, including a 90-80 victory earlier in the 2026 season.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any player absences that would impact the game, suggesting both teams were at full strength. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored the Cardinals, listing them at -3.5 on the spread and -180.0 on the moneyline, while the Colonels were set at +150.0. The total for the game was established at 143.5, with over odds at -115.0 and under odds at -105.0.

The game was played under typical basketball conditions, with no adverse weather factors affecting the indoor venue. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams showcasing their skills. Viewers were able to observe key moments, including pivotal scoring plays in the second half. Notably, Cody Pennebaker and Zee Hamoda each made significant three-point shots that contributed to the Colonels' comeback. Hamoda's performance was particularly impactful, as he assisted on multiple plays and scored crucial points down the stretch.

Ultimately, the Colonels' ability to capitalize on late-game opportunities allowed them to edge out the Cardinals, marking a significant win for Nicholls in their pursuit of improving their season record.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	LAM -3.5	143.5 o -115 / u -105	Nicholls Colonels +150 · Lamar Cardinals -180

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsBraden East10Lamar Cardinals
AssistsEian Lowe4Lamar Cardinals
ReboundsBraden East11Lamar Cardinals
PointsTrae English18Nicholls Colonels
AssistsJalin Rice3Nicholls Colonels
ReboundsZee Hamoda9Nicholls Colonels

Recent form

Lamar Cardinals

Last 10: 2-7-1Streak L564 scored · 64.4 allowed per game2-4 at home

L71-77vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersFeb 22
L65-70at UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosFeb 17
L63-76at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersFeb 14
L68-70vs Northwestern State DemonsFeb 10
L74-84at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksFeb 7
W73-54vs SE Louisiana LionsFeb 3
L63-64vs McNeese CowboysFeb 1
W82-61vs East Texas A&M LionsJan 28
D0-0vs East Texas A&M LionsJan 27
L81-88vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksJan 24